What will Mark Kelly say during The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell?

Mark Kelly will likely deliver sharp criticism of Donald Trump's administration. He would assert Trump "is ruining this country" and should prioritize the needs of ordinary Americans over symbolic displays like "ballrooms and arches" and self-promotional efforts ^[1][2]. Kelly has referenced economic difficulties such as half the country struggling to afford food, people unable to fill gas tanks, and a mother facing challenges getting her child to cancer treatment due to gasoline prices ^[1][2]. He also characterized Trump’s arch project as an "assault on liberty," discussing a military-complex plan and perceived attacks on American freedoms ^[3][4][5].

Expected foreign policy critiques will focus on the Iran war and future political aspirations. Kelly reportedly contended that Trump initiated the Iran war without a strategic goal or plan, leaving the administration "flailing," and that elevated energy prices will translate into higher food and consumer costs ^[1][6][7][8]. He may reiterate that Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA was a "colossal mistake," contributing to Iran's nuclear breakout, and emphasize the need for a strategic plan and competent coalition-building over escalation without an exit strategy ^[7][8]. Regarding 2028, Kelly stated he is seriously considering a presidential run but will not decide until after the 2026 election, with significant input from Gabby Giffords and his children ^[9]. Separately, Kelly joined 11 lawmakers in advocating for regulation of prediction platforms such as Kalshi and Robinhood, arguing these threaten tribal sovereignty ^[10]. A third-party market page listed Kelly at 3.1% for the next presidential election, with approximately $2.3 million lifetime volume and a November 7, 2029 resolution date ^[11].

Kelly's rhetoric will likely link symbolic presidential projects and alleged liberty violations to tangible economic hardship. He is expected to open by arguing the Trump administration is mishandling national security and governance ^[7][8]. A high-salience exchange could revisit Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the illegal-orders controversy, with Kelly potentially labeling Hegseth's impeachment as "ironic" because six of eight articles concern following unlawful orders, and affirming troops must not obey illegal commands ^[12][13]. Kelly will likely emphasize cost-of-living and working- and middle-class concerns, using the phrase "the system is still working; it's just not working for you," and criticize politicians who enrich themselves and their wealthy allies ^[14][15][16]. He will likely stress the importance of Democratic victories in 2026—and potentially 2028—to move past the current period, framing midterms around Trump’s record rather than a personal 2028 commitment; he stated on September 7 he had not decided on a 2028 presidential run ^[14][17][18]. The most likely concise message is that the administration is failing because it disregards law, expertise, allies, and working people, requiring voter accountability in the 2026 elections ^{[15][12][17][7][13]}.